Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy A26
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy A26 has the better camera on paper, 50MP versus 12MP, and there's more battery in the A26, 5000mAh to 3687mAh, but capacity doesn't compare cleanly across iOS and Android, so it isn't a battery-life verdict on its own. The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max offers up to 512GB of storage versus 256GB on the A26, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max has the sharper display at 457 PPI to 385. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is the one to have if you want what it adds, but the A26 is the smarter buy if you'd rather keep the money.
If you'd rather pay up front, the A26 is the cheaper buy at £239 SIM-free.
10 reviews 3.6
10 reviews
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
|
Samsung Galaxy A26
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 10 reviews |
3.6 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.7" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1284 x 2778 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 385 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 13 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | 5nm Exynos 1280 |
| Battery | 3,687 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | iOS14 | Android |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | Nano SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 mm | 164 x 77.5 x 7.7 mm |
| Weight | 228 grams | 200 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) |
| Contracts | - |
£12.29/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £239.99 | £239.00 |
| Prices updated 27 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
Cheapest Deals
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A26?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy A26 has a Super AMOLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A26?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy A26 has a 50 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A26?
The Samsung Galaxy A26 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £239.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A26?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy A26 comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A26 use?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, while the Samsung Galaxy A26 uses the 5nm Exynos 1280 .
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A26?
It's a trade-off: the Samsung Galaxy A26 is lighter but the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is more compact. It's 28g lighter at 200 grams, though the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is actually the more compact phone at 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy A26?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy A26 is rated IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min).
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A26 run?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max runs iOS14 and the Samsung Galaxy A26 runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.